Fact Check: "Construction of HS2 bat structure has already consumed £117 million!"
What We Know
The claim regarding the cost of the HS2 bat structure stems from various reports and statements made by officials involved in the HS2 project. Initially, the chairman of HS2, Sir John Thompson, indicated that the cost of the bat shield was projected to be around £100 million, which was intended to protect rare bat species, including Bechstein’s bats, from collisions with high-speed trains (BBC).
Recent updates suggest that the costs have escalated. According to a report from the New Civil Engineer, the expected cost of the bat tunnel has risen to approximately £119.3 million when adjusted for inflation to January 2025 prices (New Civil Engineer). Furthermore, a more recent article indicates that the costs have now reached £125 million, highlighting ongoing concerns about the financial management of the HS2 project (iNews).
As of January 2025, it was reported that £65.5 million had already been spent on the bat structure, with construction still ongoing (New Civil Engineer).
Analysis
The claim that "construction of HS2 bat structure has already consumed £117 million" is partially true. While the initial estimates were around £100 million, the current expected costs have indeed risen to over £119 million, and recent reports indicate that the figure may now be as high as £125 million (iNews).
The source of the claim is credible, as it originates from official statements and reports from HS2 Ltd and recognized media outlets. However, the exact figure of £117 million is not explicitly confirmed in the latest reports, making it slightly misleading. The costs are dynamic and subject to change as the project progresses, reflecting the complexities and challenges associated with large infrastructure projects in the UK, particularly those that require extensive environmental protections (BBC, New Civil Engineer).
The reliability of the sources is generally high, with the BBC and New Civil Engineer being reputable outlets known for their coverage of infrastructure and environmental issues. However, the evolving nature of the project's costs means that figures can quickly become outdated, and claims should be verified against the most current data.
Conclusion
The statement that "construction of HS2 bat structure has already consumed £117 million" is partially true. While it reflects the escalating costs associated with the project, the specific figure of £117 million is not confirmed and may not accurately represent the current financial status. The costs have been reported to be higher, indicating that the situation is fluid and subject to change.
